Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,125.00 new
OnePlus Nord
Starting at
£89.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and OnePlus Nord?
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the OnePlus Nord starts at £89, £82.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Snapdragon 765G SM7250-AB (7 nm) on the OnePlus Nord.
- The OnePlus Nord has a bigger battery: 4115 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The OnePlus Nord has a bigger screen: 6.44 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and OnePlus Nord both offer strong choices for Android users but suit different needs. Its screen is slightly smaller but uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X for vivid visuals. The OnePlus Nord offers a larger screen and higher megapixel cameras for those who prioritise screen size and detailed photos. Both phones provide dual SIM options and 5G connectivity. Battery capacities are close, with the OnePlus Nord having a slightly larger battery. Overall, the Galaxy S21 5G fits buyers looking for a compact, powerful phone with ongoing updates, while the OnePlus Nord suits those who want a bigger screen and higher resolution cameras.
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord price
Colour
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord battery life and software updates
Battery life, software updates and physical design influence how each phone fits your daily use. Both devices have similar battery sizes but differ in update support and SIM options.
Battery Size
The OnePlus Nord has a 4115 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This may offer a small edge in battery life for users who prioritise longer use between charges. However, actual battery endurance can vary depending on usage.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G offers Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, giving you more flexibility in how you use multiple phone numbers. The OnePlus Nord provides Dual Physical SIM slots, which suits users who prefer physical SIM cards only.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, which is enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly, but the chipsets differ.
Chipset Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G features a more advanced chipset built on a 5 nm process, either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 5G, providing stronger performance for demanding apps and games. The OnePlus Nord uses the Snapdragon 765G with a 7 nm process, suitable for everyday use and some gaming but with fewer raw performance capabilities.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 5G offers 128GB and 256GB storage options in stock, giving you more space for apps, photos and files if you need it. The OnePlus Nord is available with 128GB, which suits users with moderate storage needs or those who rely on cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord screen
Screen size and technology affect your viewing experience for videos, games and browsing. Both phones share the same resolution but differ in size and screen type.
Screen Size
The OnePlus Nord sports a larger 6.44 inch screen, offering more room for video watching and multitasking. The Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller 6.2 inch display, which is easier to handle with one hand and fits more comfortably in pockets.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which is known for vibrant colours and high brightness, enhancing viewing in bright environments. The OnePlus Nord features a Fluid AMOLED display, which also delivers rich colours and smooth motion but is a slightly different AMOLED technology.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord camera
Camera quality is a key difference between these phones. Both have 5G and Android but vary in front and main camera megapixels.
Front Camera
The OnePlus Nord has a 32 megapixel front camera, well suited for users who take detailed selfies or make video calls with higher clarity. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 10 megapixel front camera, which captures good quality images but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera
The OnePlus Nord features a 48 megapixel main camera, ideal for users who want more detailed photos and greater flexibility when cropping or zooming. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which delivers quality images with consistent performance.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord size and design
Other features affect usability and convenience such as size, weight, network compatibility and SIM support.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide and weighing 169 g. The OnePlus Nord is larger at 158.3 mm tall, 73.3 mm wide and weighs 184 g. Users who prefer a more compact and lightweight phone may find the Galaxy S21 5G easier to carry.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and are unlocked for use with any UK carrier. The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, offering more options for managing multiple lines. The OnePlus Nord supports Dual Physical SIM only.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or OnePlus Nord: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 184 g)
- you want the newer model (2021)
Buy the OnePlus Nord if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £89, £82.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4115 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.44 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the Galaxy S21 5G often comment on its excellent condition, sometimes describing it as looking like new or in pristine shape. Many appreciate the battery condition and find the phone works perfectly for everyday use. Some mention using the dual SIM feature successfully for separate internet and call lines. Several customers recommend the phone for its reliable performance and good condition, even when buying it refurbished. A few note minor points such as regional software features but overall satisfaction is high.
For the OnePlus Nord, users also report the phone looking like new, even when bought in fair condition. Many praise its good battery life and clear camera quality. Some customers mention adapting to Android and using the phone comfortably for everyday needs. A few comments highlight the phone's good condition and value for money. There is some mention of battery drain issues, but most reviews express satisfaction with the device's performance and screen.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 5G suits buyers who want a compact phone with ongoing software support and strong performance. The OnePlus Nord appeals to those who prefer a larger screen and higher resolution cameras for photos, with good condition and value for everyday use.
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus Nord comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Snapdragon 765G SM7250-AB (7 nm) on the OnePlus Nord. The OnePlus Nord has a bigger battery: 4115 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The OnePlus Nord is cheaper refurbished, from £89 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The OnePlus Nord has a bigger battery: 4115 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The OnePlus Nord has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. We don't have published update dates for the OnePlus Nord.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the OnePlus Nord in 128GB.
